Missed Pitmasters when it aired? Here’s where to stream all of Season 1, and why Burnt Bean fans will want to keep an eye on the judges’ table.
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Pitmasters aired Monday nights on Food Network, starting July 13, 2026. Each episode hit HBO Max and discovery+ the next day, which makes streaming the easiest way to catch up on Season 1. You’ll find more details on Food Network’s Pitmasters show page and in its original series announcement.
If you’re a Burnt Bean regular, there’s an extra reason to press play. Our co-owner, Ernest Servantes, sits at the judges’ table all season.
Season 1 runs eight episodes. Nine two-person teams head into the Southern Utah wilderness and cook around the clock for a week. Each episode has two parts. First comes a quick “Flash Burn,” where teams make a single bite, and the winner earns an advantage. Then comes the main “Big Burn” challenge, which ends with one team sent home. Over the season, there’s up to $50,000 in prize money on the line.
Andrew Zimmern hosts. Ernest judges alongside Jess Pryles and Moe Cason.
In barbecue circles, Ernest is known as the “Pope of BBQ.” He made his name on the Texas competition circuit long before he and Dave Kirkland opened Burnt Bean Co. in downtown Seguin in October 2020. Since then, Burnt Bean and its pitmasters have picked up a few honors:
His TV résumé goes back years. He won Chopped: Grill Masters on Food Network in 2012 and judged Grill Masters: Texas in 2018. Food Network has a full bio on him. For the story of how he landed the Pitmasters role, read CultureMap San Antonio’s coverage.
If you’re short on time, start with the premiere. It sets up the whole season, with a nine-hour first Big Burn where every team cooks a family-style platter for the judges and their rivals. After that, just keep going. The field narrows every week, and the last episode is a five-course final.
Want to know the cast first? Here are all nine teams. Already watched, or don’t mind spoilers? Find out who won.
Watching a week of barbecue judging is one thing. Eating it is better. Burnt Bean Co. is at 108 S. Austin St. in downtown Seguin. It’s open Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., or until the meat sells out. If Seguin’s too far, we ship brisket, ribs, and sides nationwide through Goldbelly.
